Shillong, Oct 8: Senior Congress MLA from Selsella constituency, Clement Marak passed away on Monday following prolonged illness.

Marak was 58.

Confirming the demise of the MLA, Leader of Opposition, Dr Mukul said that the MLA passed away at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi on Monday evening.

Marak’s mortal remain will be brought to Meghalaya on Tuesday.

Both the Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma and the Leader of Opposition conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family.

“I am deeply shocked to hear of the sudden demise of Clement Marak, elected member from Selsella Assembly constituency. In the past, I have had interaction with Marak at official and personal occasions. We had fought elections against each other, but we never had any personal difference. He was like my elder brother,” the Chief Minister said.

He said that the MLA, despite his prolonged illness, remained popular in imagination of his people. His death is an irreparable loss. He was the son of the soil and has always worked for the poor.

“My wife Mehtab Agitok Sangma and children joined me in conveying our deepest condolences to June Eliana R. Marak and all other members of the bereaved family and pray to Almighty God that the departed soul rests in eternal peace. We fail to find the words to express our sorrow and disbelief, yet we pray that Almighty God will give the bereaved family strength and courage during this time of grief,” the Chief Minister said.

Meghalaya Assembly Speaker, Dr Donkupar Ro also expressed deep shock and sorrow on the sudden and untimely demise of Marak. 
On behalf of the members of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, the Speaker conveyed his condolence to the bereaved family.

The Leader of Opposition also conveyed his deepest condolence to members of the bereaved family, especially the wife, and children of Marak.

“We have lost him, and I have lost a personal and dependable friend, and trust worthy comrade. It is a great lost to the party, the constituency he represented, and the people of the State. Inspite of his failing health, he continued to serve the people and remain responsive to the call of duty. It was because of the people’s love and affection, he also got a convincing victory in last election though could not campaign much. His services would be remembered and he has been able to render to all sections of people including the vulnerable groups especially when he represented the constituency which is one of the difficult and challenging areas,” the Leader of Opposition said.

Marak was first elected as member of the Meghalaya Assembly from Selsella constituency in a bye election held in February, 2005. He however lost the Assembly polls in 2008 from the constituency to Conrad K. Sangma (he was not the chief minister that time).

But Marak was re-elected in the 2013 Assembly polls where he defeated Conrad, (who was the Leader of Opposition that time).

In the February-27 Assembly polls this year, Marak was re-elected for the third time from Selsella constituency.

During the Congress-led government in the State, Marak was the Minister in-charge Power, Food and Civil Supplies, and other departments.

The Congress now has 19 MLAs in the 60-member Assembly, following the demise of Marak.